Container wth hinged hanger

ABSTRACT

A storage container has a bottom panel, an upstanding circumferentially continuous side wall coupled to a perimeter of the bottom panel, and a container interior defined by the bottom panel and side wall. The container also has an open top opening into the container interior and defined at a top edge of the continuous side wall. The container further has a pair of hanger elements disposed opposite one another across the top opening. Each of the pair of hanger elements extends from the top edge of the continuous wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/382,755, filed on May 23, 2002.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention is directed to storage containers, and more particularly to a bag-like storage container with one or more integral hinged hangers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Storage containers such as bags are known and are fabricated from foldable paper, thin, plastic sheet, and th.e like. Some bags include integrally formed handles or discrete, separate handles adhered to part of the bag. In one example, a plastic bag has opposed cut out openings near a top rim of the bag. A user can grasp such a bag by placing their hands through these openings. An example of this type of bag is a plastic grocery bag. In another example, a paper bag may have rope-like handles adhered to opposite sides of the bag near the top opening. Again, a user grasps such a bag by holding the rope-like handles.

[0004] It is possible to hang these types of known bags. However, a hook or other protruding object is required to support such a bag by the handles. Also, when such a bag is hung in this manner, the handles tend to stay together or at least very close to one another necessitated by the hook or protruding object construction which closes or reduces the size of the opening of the bag. This can result in less storage capacity for the hanging bag. This can also result in one of the handles falling off of the hook, which in turn can result in objects falling out of the hanging bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and suspended from a rod.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a side view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1.

[0008]FIG. 3 is an end view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 4 is an end view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1, and with one of the hanger elements folded to a retracted position.

[0010]FIG. 5 is an end view of the storage container shown in FIG. 4, and with the other of the hanger elements folded to a retracted position.

[0011]FIG. 6 is a side view of the storage container shown in FIG. 5.

[0012]FIG. 7 is one example of an enlarged cross section through a hinged connection between a hanger element and the storage container shown in FIG. 2.

[0013]FIG. 8 shows the hinged connection of FIG. 7 with the hanger element folded to a retracted position.

[0014]FIG. 9 is another example of a cross section through a hinged connection between a hanger and the storage container as shown in FIG. 2, but for an alternative material construction.

[0015]FIG. 10 shows the hinged connection of FIG. 9 but with the hanger element folded to a retracted position.

[0016]FIG. 11 shows a second example of a storage container suspended from a rod.

[0017]FIG. 12 shows a third example of a storage container suspended from a rod.

[0018]FIG. 13 shows a fourth example of a storage container suspended from a rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] A storage container with one or more integral hangers is disclosed herein and described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In general, the storage container has one or more integral hangers or hanger elements that can or cannot be folded between a retracted position generally parallel to an adjacent portion of the container and an extended position for suspending the storage container.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3, generally illustrate a storage container 20 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The storage container 20 includes a container section 21 and a hanger section 23. The container section 21 includes a bottom panel 22 and an upstanding circumferentially continuous side wall 24. The side wall 24 includes a top portion 25 and a bottom portion 27. The side wall 24 is coupled at its bottom portion 27 to a perimeter of the bottom panel 22. A container interior 26 is defined within the confines of the bottom panel 22 and side wall 24. An open top 28 opens into the container interior 26 and is defined at a top edge 30 of the continuous side wall 24.

[0021] The container 20 shown in FIGS. 1-3 has a generally tubular configuration that, in this example, is rectangular in cross section. However, as will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the shape and configuration of the storage container 20 can vary considerably and yet fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. The disclosed storage container 20 is not to be limited to the configuration shown in the drawings.

[0022] In the disclosed example, the continuous sidewall 24 is constructed of two side panels 32 spaced apart, opposed, and facing one another, and two end panels 34 also spaced apart, opposed, and facing one another. The side panels 32 and end panels 34 are interconnected to one another along adjacent edges and joined along foldable seams 36, as is known in the art. Similarly, the bottom edges of the side panels 32 and end panels 34 are foldably coupled to the perimeter of the bottom panel 22 along similar foldable seams 38. In this example, the side panels 32 are generally trapezoidal in shape, making the cross-sectional size of the container 20 become larger moving from the bottom panel 22 to the open top 28.

[0023] Each of the end panels 36 includes a vertically extending and centrally located fold line 40, the fold line 40 bifurcates at its lower end into a pair of diagonal fold lines 42 that angle away from one another to outward bottom comers of the end panels 34 of the storage container 20. As is known to those having ordinary skill in the art, these fold lines 40 and 42 in conjunction with the seams 36 and 38 permit the storage container 20 to be folded to an essentially flat condition. The storage container 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is in an erected or unflattened condition. When in this condition, the side panels 32, end panels 36, and bottom panel 22 define the interior storage space 26 of the container.

[0024] The storage container 20 as disclosed herein in accordance with the teachings of the present invention also includes a hanging section 23. The hanging section 23 includes one or more hanger elements 50 for suspending the storage container 20, if desired, from an object such as a coat rod 52 found in conventional closets and the like. In the disclosed example, the hanging section 23 includes a pair of opposed hanger elements 50, one each coupled to a top edge of a corresponding side panel 32 along a foldable seam or hinge 54. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, each of the hanger elements 50 can be independently moved between an extended position (see FIG. 3) for use as a hanger and a retracted position (see FIGS. 4-6) to move the hanger elements 50 out of the way. Each hanger element 50 is simply folded along its respective hinge or fold line 54 between the extended and retracted position as desired.

[0025] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, each of the hanger elements 50 has, in this example, a panel section 56 and hanger section 58. The panel section 56 in the disclosed example is a solid piece of material that is preferably constructed from the same material as its adjacent side panel 32 and formed integral therewith. The fold line or hinge 54 can be provided in the material to separate the side panel 32 from its adjacent panel section 56.

[0026] The hanger section 58 in each example is a curved or arcuate hook 60 that extends upward and then curves back around slightly toward the panel section 56, similar to a coat hanger hook. The hook 60 and its configuration define an insertion opening or gap 62 between a distal end 64 of the hook and a proximal end 66 integral with the panel section 56. An object is inserted for hanging or suspending the storage container 20 into the insertion opening 62. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coat rod 52 is received in the insertion opening 62 with the distal end 64 extending slightly over the top of the rod to positively retain the hanger elements 50 on the rod.

[0027] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the hanger section 58, and particularly the hook 60 in the disclosed example, can be replaced by a different type of hanger element. A circular loop or eyelet construction can be utilized if desired, as well as other types of hanger arrangements.

[0028] The storage container 20 can be manufactured from any one or a combination of a wide range of materials that are tough, resilient, lightweight, and reasonably inexpensive depending on the application or desires of the user. These materials includes plastic, including multilayer laminates, paperboard, corrugated board, aluminum, etc.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the hinge or folds line 54 for the hanger elements 50 can vary considerably in configuration and construction. The fold line or hinge 54 construction may particularly depend on the type of material utilized to form the storage container. For example, the storage container panels 22, 32, 36 and hanger elements 50 can be constructed from a relatively thin molded, extruded, or otherwise formed plastic material. In such an example, the hinge or fold line 54 as well as the various other fold lines and seams can be molded into the plastic material during formation. As an example, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a solid thin material (plastic in this example) with a flexible living hinge or joint providing the hinge 54. FIG. 7 illustrates the hanger element 50 represented therein in its extended position relative to the adjacent side panel 32. FIG. 8 illustrates the hanger element 50 in its retracted position relative to the respective side panel 32.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another alternative example of a hinge fold line 54 construction for a storage container 20 is shown. In this example, the representative panels may either be laminated or layered paperboard, a combination laminated or layered paperboard and plastic, or a laminated or layered plastic formation. The side panel 32 and the hanger element 50 depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 each have discrete panel segments 70 slightly spaced from one another at their adjacent edges 74 and 76. The panel segments 70 and 72 are interior panels that are sandwiched and laminated within exterior material layers of 78 and 80 on opposite sides of the panels. At the space between the two adjacent edges 74 and 76 of the panels 70 and 72, the exterior laminate layers 78 and 80 are joined to one another thereby forming a thinner cross section of material. This thinner cross section forms a flexible living hinge 54 connection between the panel segments.

[0031] In this example, the interior layers 70 and 72 can provide panel rigidity and be formed of relatively stiff and/or thick panels. The exterior laminate layers 78 and 80 can be thinner and flexible to provide an adequate hinge. Either the interior panels or exterior layers can be decorated for a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0032] In an alternative example, if paper board or paper is used to form the storage container and the hanger elements 50, the hinge or fold lines 54, as well as the various fold lines 40 and 42 and seams 36 and 38 can be provided in the paper material as creases when formed. The creases can be formed in a conventional manner. In a further example usable with either plastic or paperboard, a groove is cut or molded into the panels to provide the living hinge.

[0033] The container construction, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 permits the top opening 28 to remain open when suspended. This prevents reduced storage space within the container when hanging. The panel sections 56 of the hanger elements 50 also assist in retaining objects with the interior 26 that are stored near the opening 28.

[0034] In a second example shown in FIG. 11, a storage container 90 is disclosed. It includes a container section 92 and a hanger section 94. The container section 92 includes end panels 96 and a pair of side panels 98 a, 98 b. The hanger section 94 includes a pair of hanger elements 100 a, 100 b extending up from the side panels 98 a 98 b, respectively. The first hanger element 100 a is joined to the first side panel 98 a by a hinge 102. The first hanger element 100 a can be folded about the hinge 102 as in the previous example. However, the second hanger element 100 b is fixed with respect to the second side panel 98 b. In this example, the second hanger element 100 b and the second side panel 98 b are one contiguous panel. Thus, the second hanger element 100 b cannot be folded down onto the second side panel 98 b. In all other aspects, this example, is similar to the first example.

[0035] In a third example shown in FIG. 12, a storage container 110 is disclosed. It includes a container section 112 and a hanger section 114. The container section 112 includes end panels 116 and a pair of side panels 118 a, 118 b. The hanger section 114 includes a pair of hanger elements 120 a, 120 b extending up from the side panels 118 a 118 b, respectively. In this example both hanger elements 120 a, 120 b are fixedly joined to the side panels 118 a, 118 b respectively. Thus, neither of the hanger elements 120 a, 120 b can be folded down onto the side panels 118 a, 118 b, and the first hanger element 120 a and the first side panel 118 a are one contiguous panel, and the second hanger element 120 b and the second side panel 118 b are one contiguous panel.

[0036] In a fourth example shown in FIG. 13, a storage container 130 is disclosed. The storage container 130 includes a container section 132 and a hanger section 134. The container section 132 includes a pair of end panels 134, a pair of side panels 136, and a bottom panel 138. The end panels 134 are joined to the side panels 136 along vertical edges 140, and the end panels 134 and the side panels 136 are joined to the bottom panel 138 along horizontal edges 142. In this example, there is no fold line in the end panels 134 or the bottom panel 138. Further, the vertical edges 140 and the horizontal edges 142 are not flexible, i.e. they are fixed. Thus, the container section 132 is not collapsible, and is instead a substantially rigid container.

[0037] In the shown example, the hanger section 134 includes a pair of hanger elements 144 a, 144 b, extending up from the side panels 136. In this example, the hanger elements 144 a, 144 b are hingedly attached to the side panels along living hinges 146 as in the first example. However, the either or both of the hanger elements 144 a, 144 b can be fixedly attached to the side panels 136 as in the second or third example.

[0038] The storage container 20, 90, 110, 130 described and disclosed herein is not intended to be limited by any particular materials used for constructing its various components. As noted above, paper, laminated paper, paperboard, plastic, or combinations thereof can be utilized to provide a storage container falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0039] Although certain storage container constructions have been disclosed and described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. A storage container comprising: a bottom panel; an upstanding circumferentially continuous side wall having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion being coupled to a perimeter of the bottom panel; a container interior defined by the bottom panel and the side wall; an open top opening into the container interior defined at the top portion of the continuous side wall; and a pair of hanger elements disposed opposite one another across the open top, each of the pair of hanger elements extending from the top portion of the continuous wall.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of hanger elements is hingedly attached along the top edge of the side wall.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of hanger elements is integrally attached along a living hinge to the top edge of the side wall, and wherein each of the pair of hanger elements is foldable between an extended position extending beyond the top edge and a folded position lying adjacent a part of the side wall.
 4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the bottom panel, side wall, and integral hanger elements is comprised of a thermoplastic material.
 5. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the side wall includes four substantially flat interconnected panels defining a rectangular tube, and wherein the interconnected panels include two opposed end panels and two opposed side panels.
 6. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the pair of hanger elements are attached along a hinge to the top edge of each of the side panels.
 7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of hanger elements is integrally formed extending from the respective side panel, and wherein each of the pair of hanger elements is foldable between an extended position extending beyond the top edge and a folded position lying adjacent a part of the side wall.
 8. The storage container of claim 5, wherein at least one of the pair of hanger elements are contiguous with and in a fixed relationship with the side panels.
 9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein both of the pair of hanger elements are contiguous with and in a fixed relationship with the side panels.
 10. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
 11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the continuous side wall is made from a composite material.
 12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the composite material is a layered paper board, a layered plastic, or a combination of layered paperboard and plastic.
 13. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the flat panels are connected along seams, and the end panels include fold lines such that the storage container may be folded to a substantially flat condition.
 14. The storage container of claim 13, wherein the fold lines in the end panels each bifurcate into a pair of diagonal fold lines.
 15. A storage bag comprising: a bottom panel; a plurality of side walls extending upward from a perimeter of the bottom panel and being foldably interconnected to one another; a bag interior defined by the bottom panel and the plurality of side panels; an open top providing access into the bag interior and defined by respective interconnected top edges of the plurality of side panels; and a pair of hanger elements each extending from and attached along a living hinge to a respective top edge of an opposed pair of the side panels.
 16. The storage bag of claim 15, wherein each of the hanger elements is a semicircular hook for hanging the bag from a horizontal rod.
 17. The storage bag of claim 15, the plurality of side panels including a pair of end panels and a pair of side panels, the hanger elements extending upwards from the side panels.
 18. The storage bag of claim 17, each end panel including a fold line, each fold line bifurcating into a pair of diagonal fold lines, the end panels attached to the side panels along seams, such that the bag can be folded to a substantially flat condition.
 19. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the storage bag is made from a composite material, the composite material being layered plastic, layered paperboard, or a combination of layered paperboard and plastic.
 20. The storage bag of claim 19, wherein the composite material includes a flexible outer layer and a stiff inner layer, the hinge being defined by a portion of the bag lacking the stiff inner layer. 